Carrot Cake Bars

These Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the warm, spiced flavor of carrot cake with a rich cream cheese swirl. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot cake lovers will find this recipe irresistible! These bars are soft, moist, and packed with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet carrots. The cream cheese swirl adds a luxurious richness that complements the spiced cake perfectly. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a gathering, these carrot cake bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup light brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¾ cup shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 6 oz cream cheese

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 large egg yolk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and continue mixing until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.

6. Stir in the shredded carrots.

7. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth and well mixed.

8. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.

9. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter.

10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 9 to 12 bars, depending on the size of your cuts.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 30-35 minutes

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Frosting: For extra indulgence, top your bars with a classic cream cheese frosting once they’ve cooled.

• Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste, or experiment with other warm spices like ginger or cloves.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These carrot cake bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: If you prefer them warm, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in the batter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done.

Can I freeze these carrot cake bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How do I make the cream cheese swirl without lumps?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, and beat it thoroughly with the sugar to achieve a smooth consistency.

Can I make these without the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, the bars will still be delicious without the cream cheese swirl, but the swirl adds a lovely richness to the bars.

Can I use pre-grated carrots?

Pre-grated carrots can be used, but make sure they are finely grated for the best texture in the bars.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Can I substitute the egg yolk in the cream cheese mixture?

The egg yolk helps with the richness and texture of the cream cheese swirl, but you could try using a full egg if you prefer.

Conclusion

These Carrot Cake Bars are a perfect combination of spiced carrot cake and creamy cheesecake, creating a treat that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just enjoying them as a sweet snack, these bars will be a hit! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a comforting dessert in no time.